09-22-2007, 04:10 PM
Coraopolis, Pennsylvania -- The Ruffed Grouse Society (RGS), is proud to join the nation's dedicated and conservation-minded hunters and fishermen as they prepare to celebrate the 36th anniversary of "National Hunting and Fishing Day" this coming Saturday.
"While this event has become one of the most significant events on the American calendar, this 36th Anniversary is even more momentous", said RGS Executive Director and CEO Mike Zagata.
"For one thing, this is the year, President George W. Bush, signed the "Facilitation of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation" initiative, directing all federal agencies that manage public land for outdoor recreation, to enhance and expand hunting opportunities, and the management of wildlife and their habitat. In a nutshell, the Executive Order directs all federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to address declining trends and implement actions that expand hunting opportunities and enhanced conservation efforts. That's good for our members, and, because sportsmen and women pay for the State's wildlife conservation programs, it's good for wildlife," Zagata said.
"Another reason that makes it special is the 2007 Farm Bill, which passed in the House of Representatives last month and is currently winding its way through the Senate. The 2007 Farm Bill provides incentives to manage for wildlife habitat that benefit landowners, hunters and forest conservation. If passed and funded, the Farm Bill will have a positive impact on wildlife abundance, including both hunted and non-hunted species," Zagata continued.
And, for those of you who hunt upland birds, early indicators suggest that the grouse cycle is on the upswing and it's likely that woodcock had a good nesting season as well. Thus there should be an ample number of birds to provide for a quality hunting experience.
The Ruffed Grouse Society is encouraging everyone who has ever shouldered a gun, dunked a worm or flipped an artificial lure into a lake or stream, to celebrate the occasion by taking part in the many activities presented nationwide, and at the same time introduce a newcomer to the hunting and fishing traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society is the one international wildlife conservation organization dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain our sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.
Information on the RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.
"While this event has become one of the most significant events on the American calendar, this 36th Anniversary is even more momentous", said RGS Executive Director and CEO Mike Zagata.
"For one thing, this is the year, President George W. Bush, signed the "Facilitation of Hunting and Wildlife Conservation" initiative, directing all federal agencies that manage public land for outdoor recreation, to enhance and expand hunting opportunities, and the management of wildlife and their habitat. In a nutshell, the Executive Order directs all federal agencies, including the Department of the Interior and the Department of Agriculture to address declining trends and implement actions that expand hunting opportunities and enhanced conservation efforts. That's good for our members, and, because sportsmen and women pay for the State's wildlife conservation programs, it's good for wildlife," Zagata said.
"Another reason that makes it special is the 2007 Farm Bill, which passed in the House of Representatives last month and is currently winding its way through the Senate. The 2007 Farm Bill provides incentives to manage for wildlife habitat that benefit landowners, hunters and forest conservation. If passed and funded, the Farm Bill will have a positive impact on wildlife abundance, including both hunted and non-hunted species," Zagata continued.
And, for those of you who hunt upland birds, early indicators suggest that the grouse cycle is on the upswing and it's likely that woodcock had a good nesting season as well. Thus there should be an ample number of birds to provide for a quality hunting experience.
The Ruffed Grouse Society is encouraging everyone who has ever shouldered a gun, dunked a worm or flipped an artificial lure into a lake or stream, to celebrate the occasion by taking part in the many activities presented nationwide, and at the same time introduce a newcomer to the hunting and fishing traditions that have been passed down for generations.
Established in 1961, the Ruffed Grouse Society is the one international wildlife conservation organization dedicated to promoting conditions suitable for ruffed grouse, American woodcock and related wildlife to sustain our sport hunting tradition and outdoor heritage.
Information on the RGS, its mission, management projects and membership can be found on the web at: www.ruffedgrousesociety.org.